‘Welcome Home’: Army Vet Back From Afghanistan Fatally Shot At ‘Welcome Home’ Party

A 22-year-old Army veteran who recently returned from serving in Afghanistan was fatally shot early Sunday morning while attending a party with friends.

According to the Sylmar Police Department, Francisco Garcia attended a party with several friends on Saturday evening at a home located on Dronfield Street.

Around 2:00 a.m. Sunday, those who attended the party moved up the street to a different location.

Officers explained Garcia was standing on the sidewalk, North of Astoria Street, when two cars stopped near Sylmar High School.

A Hispanic man reportedly exited a dark SUV and proceeded to smash a beer bottle on the ground while yelling at Garcia across the street.

He then walked to the second vehicle, described as a white Toyota or Honda, retrieved a handgun from a second suspect and started shooting at Garcia.

Authorities said Garcia was shot and died at the scene. No other injuries were reported.

“It appears Francisco was the target of the attack,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, commanding officer of the Mission Detective Division. “Apparently, a simmering dispute had boiled over during the night, and this suspect came looking for Francisco. Figuring out the dispute should lead us to the shooter.”